Delta County's composite score of 70.7 ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally, towering above the national median of 50.0. This Northeast Texas county represents top-tier livability by composite measure.
2 / 5
Among Texas' best-scoring counties
At 70.7, Delta County exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8 and ranks in the top tier among all Texas counties. Its performance is particularly impressive for a rural county competing against the state's largest metros.
3 / 5
Tax and cost advantages stand out
Delta County leads with a tax score of 74.9 and the lowest effective tax rate at 0.975%, paired with a cost score of 79.2. Residents enjoy median home values of $149,400 and rent at just $857/month.
4 / 5
Income growth remains limited
The income score of 24.4 reflects median household income of $62,855, suggesting fewer high-wage opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.
5 / 5
Excellent for budget-minded rural families
Delta County excels for retirees, families with remote income, and those who prioritize low taxes and modest living costs over urban job markets. This county delivers exceptional value and small-town community living without the expense of metropolitan areas.
Delta County's composite score of 70.7 ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally, towering above the national median of 50.0. This Northeast Texas county represents top-tier livability by composite measure.
Among Texas' best-scoring counties
At 70.7, Delta County exceeds the Texas state average of 66.8 and ranks in the top tier among all Texas counties. Its performance is particularly impressive for a rural county competing against the state's largest metros.
Tax and cost advantages stand out
Delta County leads with a tax score of 74.9 and the lowest effective tax rate at 0.975%, paired with a cost score of 79.2. Residents enjoy median home values of $149,400 and rent at just $857/month.
Income growth remains limited
The income score of 24.4 reflects median household income of $62,855, suggesting fewer high-wage opportunities. Safety, health, schools, and water quality data are not yet available, leaving some livability dimensions unmeasured.
Excellent for budget-minded rural families
Delta County excels for retirees, families with remote income, and those who prioritize low taxes and modest living costs over urban job markets. This county delivers exceptional value and small-town community living without the expense of metropolitan areas.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛74.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Delta County's 0.98% effective tax rate is just 13% above the national median of 0.87%, making it among the most tax-friendly counties nationwide. The median property tax of $1,456 is roughly half the national median of $2,690, even for homes worth $149,400.
Among Texas's lowest-taxing counties
Delta County ranks in the bottom quarter of Texas counties by effective tax rate at 0.98%, substantially below the state average of 1.28%. Homeowners pay $1,456 in median taxes—34% less than the statewide median of $2,193.
One of North Texas's best tax deals
Among nearby counties, Delta (0.98%) undercuts Dallas (1.68%), Denton (1.72%), and most regional competitors. Only a handful of rural Northeast Texas counties rival Delta's tax efficiency.
Median home costs just $1,456 yearly
A Delta County home valued at $149,400 generates only $1,456 in annual property taxes at the 0.98% rate. This favorable burden reflects the county's lean municipal structure and agricultural-based economy.
Even low assessments can be appealed
Even in tax-friendly counties like Delta, some homeowners face overassessed properties, particularly recent home sales or renovations. A free appraisal review from Delta County's appraisal district could confirm your home's fair market value and prevent overpaying.
Delta County boasts a rent-to-income ratio of just 16.4%—among the nation's lowest and significantly better than the national norm. With a median household income of $62,855 and median rent of just $857, this North Texas county delivers genuine affordability.
State leader in housing affordability
Delta County ranks as one of Texas's most affordable counties with a 16.4% rent-to-income ratio, well below the state average of 18.1%. Its median rent of $857 and median income of $62,855 create a favorable balance rarely found in competitive state markets.
Rural advantage over urban peers
Delta County's $857 median rent and 16.4% affordability ratio dramatically outpace Dallas County ($1,469 rent, 23.8% ratio) and even edge out most other rural Texas counties. The county's median home value of $149,400 sits between affordable Dawson ($90,800) and pricier urban markets.
Renters and owners both win here
Delta County renters spend $857 monthly while homeowners pay $907—both among Texas's lowest figures. On a median income of $62,855, housing consumes just 16.4% for renters and roughly 17% for owners, providing substantial buffer for other expenses.
Delta County: affordability destination
If maximum housing security on modest income drives your move, Delta County delivers: 16.4% rent-to-income ratio and sub-$900 monthly rents. You'll sacrifice proximity to major metros but gain the state's most favorable cost-of-living ratio.
Delta County's median household income of $62,855 falls 15.9% short of the national median of $74,755, though it performs better than many rural Texas peers. The county's per capita income of $31,640 sits below the national average but reflects a more balanced regional economy.
Slightly below Texas average
Delta County's median household income of $62,855 trails the Texas state average of $64,737 by just 2.8%, placing it near the middle of Texas counties. Its per capita income of $31,640 nearly matches the state average of $33,197, suggesting relatively balanced economic distribution.
Outearns rural Northeast Texas
Delta County outpaces neighboring rural counties like Morris and Cass, benefiting from proximity to larger employment centers and more diversified local business. The county's income advantage reflects a mix of agricultural, manufacturing, and service-sector employment.
Housing remains very affordable
At 16.4%, Delta County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the healthiest in the state, well below the 20% threshold for affordable housing. A median home value of $149,400 makes homeownership accessible to median-earning households, supporting wealth accumulation.
Leverage affordable housing equity
Delta County's affordable housing creates an excellent opportunity for residents to build home equity and wealth through homeownership without overextending finances. Reinvesting savings from lower housing costs into retirement accounts or home improvements multiplies long-term wealth gains.
At 72.0 years, Delta County residents live 2.3 years less than the U.S. average of 74.3 years—a gap that persists despite relatively low rates of poor/fair health at 18.0%. This suggests that while current residents report decent health, Delta faces structural barriers that shorten lifespans overall.
Below Texas average but better relative health
Delta County's 72.0-year life expectancy falls below Texas's 74.3-year average, yet its 18.0% poor/fair health rate stands below the state average, indicating a population that reports good health today but faces mortality risks. The county's uninsured rate of 13.7% is notably lower than Texas's 19.8%, suggesting better insurance access in this rural area.
Healthier outlook than similar rural peers
Delta County's 72.0-year life expectancy exceeds Dimmit (71.0 years) and Dawson (70.7 years), and its 13.7% uninsured rate is the lowest among peer counties. However, Delta's primary care provider data is unavailable, suggesting potential data gaps in this rural North Texas county.
Mental health capacity but limited primary care
Delta County's 54 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represent solid mental health capacity, yet primary care provider numbers remain unreported, indicating possible access challenges. The county's 13.7% uninsured rate is a bright spot, though even uninsured residents may struggle to find primary care in this rural setting.
Maintain coverage despite low uninsured rate
Delta County's 13.7% uninsured rate—the lowest among these eight counties—shows that coverage is achievable here; those without insurance should explore marketplace plans at healthcare.gov. Staying covered protects against the unexpected costs that can derail rural economies and shorten lives.
Delta County's composite risk score of 8.91 ranks as "Very Low," placing it well below the national average and in the safest percentile of American counties. This Northeast Texas county experiences minimal exposure to major natural disasters.
Texas's safest county profile
At 8.91, Delta County scores dramatically below the Texas state average of 49.00, making it one of the state's lowest-risk jurisdictions. Geographic isolation and low population density contribute to reduced overall disaster exposure.
Safest in its regional peer group
Delta County's 8.91 score far outpaces nearby counties; even low-risk Dickens County (13.61) and Dimmit County (35.88) exceed its risk level. This relative safety reflects the county's rural character and distance from major hazard zones.
All risks remain well below average
Delta County's highest individual hazard is tornado risk at 49.30, followed by hurricane risk at 41.39, both near or below national norms. Flood, wildfire, and earthquake risks all score below 25, indicating minimal exposure across the full spectrum.
Standard coverage generally sufficient
Standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for Delta County residents, as flood and earthquake risks are negligible. Maintaining basic tornado preparedness—identifying a safe interior room and reviewing escape routes—remains prudent despite low overall risk.